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Reality stars who have passed away

Sharon Tucker, the mother-in-law of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi Burruss, died in New York City on Tuesday after suffering a stroke the day before. She slipped into a coma overnight while hospitalized, according to TMZ. Tucker frequently appeared on the hit show and was known as "Miss Sharon."

Ryan Knight, a cast member on MTV's "Real World: New Orleans" in 2010, was found dead on Thanksgiving morning at a home in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was 28. Police said Knight had complained of "stomach issues" the last two days. No foul play is suspected.

Another MTV alum, Diem Brown, passed away on Nov. 14 following a nine-year battle with cancer. Three months earlier, Brown was filming her eighth appearance on MTV's series "The Challenge" in Panama when she collapsed on set and was airlifted to a hospital in New York. Take a look at other reality show stars who have passed away.

"Shipping Wars" star Roy Garber passed away on Jan. 17 after suffering a major heart attack. According to his family, Garber, 49, had an on-going heart condition. Take a look at other reality show stars who have passed away.

Former "Bachelor" contestant Gia Allemand, 29, was discovered unconscious and suffering from self-inflicted wounds by her boyfriend, NBA player Ryan Anderson, at her home in New Orleans. She was rushed to the hospital, where she remained on life support until she died on August 14, 2013.

Shain Gandee, 21, who was featured on the MTV reality show "Buckwild," died of carbon monoxide poisoning after his body was discovered in a vehicle that was partially submerged in mud on a dirt road in West Virginia. His uncle and his friend were also found dead in the vehicle.

Mindy McCready, who appeared on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," battled years of addiction before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in February, 2013, one month after her boyfriend and the father of her son also took his own life.

Rodney King, who became nationally known after being beaten with excessive force by Los Angeles police officers in 1991 and who later appeared on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," died from accidental drowning related to drugs and alcohol in 2012.

Joey Kovar, star of "The Real World: Hollywood" and "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," died of a suspected drug overdose in August 2012 at 29.

Former Alice in Chains bassist Mike Starr, who appeared on VH1's "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew," was found dead in Salt Lake City in 2011 at age 44. His dead was a result of a prescription drug overdose.

Julien Hug, 35, was a contestant on "The Bachelorette," before committing suicide in San Diego in 2010. In a suicide note, he stated that he suffered from "severe depression."

Ryan Dunn, a star of MTV's "Jackass," and member of the "Viva La Bam" crew died in a car crash at age 34 in June, 2011 in Pennsylvania. He was intoxicated and driving over 100 mph before he crashed into trees, killing himself and his friend.

Comedian Mike DeStefano, who was a finalist on "Last Comic Standing," died of a massive heart attack in 2011 at age 44. His life experiences - heroin addiction, the loss of his wife and the fact that he was HIV positive - played a huge role in his comedy.

Known for his roles in "Grease" and "Taxi," actor Jeff Conaway died from pneumonia in 2011 at age 60 and it was reported that long-term drug use contributed to his death. He was also featured on "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew."

Phil Harris, captain of the Cornelia Marie fishing boat featured on A&E's "Deadliest Catch," died in 2010 in Alaska at the age of 53 from a stroke.

Jennifer Lyon, a contestant on "Survivor: Palau," died at age 37 from breast cancer in 2010.

Frankie Abernathy, a cast member on MTV's "The Real World: San Diego," in 2004, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and died in 2007 at age 25.

Actress and Playboy Playmate of the Year Anna Nicole Smith died in 2007 at age 39 in a Hollywood, Fla., hotel room as a result of an overdose of prescription drugs. She appeared on the "The Anna Nicole Show" from 2002-2004.

Pedro Zamora was a cast member on 1994's "The Real World: San Francisco" and shared his struggle with HIV/AIDS, which took his life in 1994. President Bill Clinton said the reality star "changed the face of HIV and AIDS in America forever."

To read more about Gandee and other reality TV stars who have passed away, go to CNN.com.

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